Other Names:  Roseybloom, Crabapple

Description:

A striking display of bright red buds open to an abundance of creamy white flowers; fruit is small and prolific, bright red, adding fall and winter interest; an excellent choice as an ornametal and beautiful in groupings as well

Ornamental Features

Kirk Flowering Crab is blanketed in stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds before the leaves. The fruits are showy red pomes carried in abundance from early to late fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn yellow in fall.

Landscape Attributes

Kirk Flowering Crab is a deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Kirk Flowering Crab is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Kirk Flowering Crab will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.